About KOI Records

KOI Records is an independent music label from Houston, Texas. The label was launched in 2005 by Mark and Rebecca Jessup. KOI was formed with the specific purpose of putting out collectable vinyl releases. KOI's releases usually feature colored vinyl, picture discs and distinctive artwork. The company slogan is "Our records sell out, but we never will." The company is named after the koi fish, which, in asian culture, is a symbol of perseverance.

An eclectic mix

KOI does not focus on just one genre of music, but it puts out releases from a wide variety of musical styles including punk, folk, emo and experimental noise. KOI has released music by such bands as Squarewell, SSSP, Red Car Burns, Vermillion Lies, Killed by the Bull, Failsafe for Tomorrow, Paris Violence, Humanifesto, We're All Broken, Eli August, Jim Strange, Phantoms of the SS, Scream for Help, Spitfire, The Nutcutters and Frank Sidebottom to name just a few. KOI strictly releases vinyl records and does not release CDs, making their releases more collectable. KOI puts out both LPs and 7" records.

KOI issued its first release in 2005, which was a split release for punk band The Fire Still Burns. The latest release from the label was in November 2010 with a 7" disc featuring New York hardcore band SSDP and Houston-based punk band No Resistance. KOI announced on its blog in August 2011 that it was going on a hiatus but stated that it intends to have more updates and news in the future.